From where did the Europeans import tea?

The Europeans imported tea primarily from China, which was the original producer and exporter of tea. The Chinese cultivated and processed tea leaves, and the international tea trade originated from China. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Portuguese, Dutch, and British established trade routes with China and began importing tea to Europe. They would sail to Chinese ports, such as Canton (now Guangzhou), and purchase tea leaves and other goods in exchange for silver, textiles, and other commodities. The Europeans would then transport the tea back to their respective countries and sell it to the upper classes and the emerging merchant class.